Multiple timing apparatus for track events and the like

ABSTRACT

This invention is a multiple timing apparatus operable through the use of electronic beams to record individual times of various items such as normally found in track running events. This invention is a multiple timing apparatus including a support frame; amplifier device mounted upon the support frame; a photocell assembly mounted within the supporting surface in cooperating alignment with the amplifier device; a control panel operably connected to the photocell assembly and the amplifier device; and a control panel operably connected to the photocell assembly and the amplifier device to automatically record various points at which the respective photocell beams are broken. Other embodiments of this invention concern the use of mechanical means for breaking a circuit to actuate a stopwatch or the like used in athletic events. Still, more specifically, this invention relates to the use of an electronic source such as a photocell or ultrasonic beam or a mechanical means whereupon the breaking of the same operates to actuate a timing mechanism to accurately record the time at which such beam or mechanical structure was broken.

United States Patent [72] Inventors Klon E. Matthews St. John, Kane;James H. Hood, 713 N. Main, St. John, Kans. 67576 [21 Appl. No. 776,402[22] Filed Nov. 18, 1968 [45] Patented July 27, 1971 [54] MULTIPLETIMING APPARATUS FOR TRACK EVENTS AND THE LIKE 13 Claims, 16 DrawingFigs.

[52] US. Cl 250/221, 200/61.93, 250/222 R, 272/4, 340/258 B [51] Int. CLA63k 1/00, 606m 7/00 [50] Field Search 250/221, 222, 223; 340/258 B,323; ZOO/61.93, 61.08; 272/4, 5, 59

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,208,721 7/1940 DemosthenesZOO/61.93 2,291,022 7/1942 Burbridge ZOO/61.08 2,319,420 5/1943 Macksoud250/221 2,351,707 6/1944 Rouprich 250/221 3,046,519 7/1962 Polster3,230,327 1/1966 McDowell 340/258 ZOO/61.08

ABSTRACT: This invention is a multiple timing apparatus operable throughthe use of electronic beams to record individual times of various itemssuch as normally found in track running events. This invention is amultiple timing apparatus including a support frame; amplifier devicemounted upon the support frame; a photocell assembly mounted within thesupporting surface in cooperating alignment with the amplifier device; acontrol panel operably connected to the photocell assembly and theamplifier device; and a control panel operably connected to thephotocell assembly and the amplifier device to automatically recordvarious points at which the respective photocell beams are broken. Otherembodiments of this invention concern the use of mechanical means forbreaking a circuit to actuate a stopwatch or the like used in athleticevents. Still, more specifically, this invention relates to the use ofan electronic source such as a photocell or ultrasonic beam or amechanical means whereupon the breaking of the same operates to actuatea timing mechanism to accurately record the time at which such beam ormechanical structure was broken.

PATENTEU JUL27|97I sum 1 m 6 INVENTOR Ha H000 PATENTED JUL2 719m sum 5[1F 6 INVENTORS (/AME-S H. H000 ,6 BY AQoxv E. MATTHEWS X MM ATTOQA/EYof timingdevices are known to the prior art but these devices are mainlyvery complicated electronic devices such as used in horse racing and arenot practical for use in local track and field events. Additionally, theprior art devices are not operable to efficiently and effectivelyactuate conventionally available stopwatches and do not operate toindividually record various times found in various tracks and racingdevices. Also, the prior art devices are normally stationary structuresand cannot be readily moved to various locations as needed in field andtrack running events. Also, the prior art devices are complicated inoperation, expensive to manufacture, and provided with numerous movingparts which require expensive maintenance repair.

Numerous preferred embodiments of the timing apparatus of this inventionare disclosed herein, namely, (1) a vertical photocell timing apparatus;(2) a horizontal photocell timing apparatus; (3) a horizontalmechanically actuated timing apparatus; (4) a horizontal electroniccontinuity timing ap- I paratus; (5) a vertical ultrasonic timingapparatus; (6) a vertical mechanically actuated timing apparatus; and,additionally, a recording timer mechanism and a constant drive timermechanism disclosed herein. The vertical photocell timing apparatusincludes a main support frame assembly having a control panel secured toone end thereof; a plurality of amplifier devices mounted upon the uppersurface of the support frame assembly; and a photocell assemblymountable within the supporting ground surface in operative alignmentwith the amplifier devices and operatively connected to the controlpanel for the operation thereof. Basically, the vertical photocelltiming apparatus is operable to place a vertical photocell beam insuccessive ones of running lines used in track and field eventswhereupon the photocell beam is amplified by the amplifier device andsent to the control panel. In the control panel is an electronic circuithaving a plurality of stopwatches activated by solenoid members to stopand start the respective stopwatches. On interrupting respective ones ofthe photocell beams as by an athlete crossing across the same, the sameactuates the respective one of the solenoid members to operate therespective ones of the stopwatches to indicate the time at which thebeam was crossed. The horizontal photocell timing apparatus is similarlyoperable except having a plurality of downwardly depending arms from thesupport frame assembly so as to provide for respective horizontalphotocell beams operable in a similar manner to the prior devicewhereupon when racing between the downwardly depending arms, thephotocell is broken to actuate the solenoid members and respective onesof the stopwatches. The horizontal mechanical actuated timing apparatusis also provided with a plurality of downwardly depending arms from theupper portion of the support frame and having a cord member anchored toone arm and extended to the opposite cooperating arm whereupon amechanical spring and rod assembly is used to hold a block membersecured to the cord which is in a taut condition. When a runner racesthrough the depending arms, the cord and block is pulled from the springand rod assembly to cause an electrical contact to operate therespective solenoid members to actuate the stopwatches to provide anaccurate timing thereto. The vertical mechanical actuated timingmechanism operates similarly except having a vertically extended cordmember to be broken so as to close respective electrical contacts. Thehorizontal electrical continuity timing apparatus is provided with aplurality of upright support posts electrically operable through a relayand battery assembly and having an upper portion electrically connectedthereacross through the use of aluminum foil strips. On a track memberracing through the upright posts, this operates to break theelectrically conductive aluminum foil whereupon the same triggers arelay and respective stopwatch to indicate the time at which the stripwas broken.

The vertical ultrasonic timing apparatus is substantially similar to thephotocell timing apparatus except provided with ultrasonic transducersmounted on the upper portion of the support frame whereupon anelectronic beam is rebounded from a reflecting point upon the supportsurface. When this ultrasonic beam is broken, the same operates toactuate a solenoid member and a stopwatch similar to the photocelldevices. The recording timer mechanism is provided with a main rollerdrum structure having a calibrated, removable paper mounted thereon anddriven by a constant speed timing motor. An impulse is directed to thisrecording timer mechanism to actuate respective ones of pen membersthrough solenoid members to raise and lower the same into contact withthe removable paper roll. Since the same is driven by a constant speedtiming motor, it results in a permanent record of a given race and therespective pen members can be actuated through a photocell, aluminumcontinuity strips, mechanical devices, or the ultrasonic beam asdesired. The constant drive timer mechanism is a mechanical systemwhereupon a timing motor drives a shaft member having a plurality ofbevel gear members, each of which is operable to be connected to amating bevel gear operable to drive a clock mechanism. A pair ofsolenoid members are operable to move the mating bevel gear members intocontact to start the individual clock mechanism which operates toachieve great accuracy as the timing motor is continuously operating.

One object of this invention is to provide timing apparatus overcomingthe aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art devices.

One other object of this invention is to provide a timer apparatusoperable for use in athletic events to position a photocell beam acrossrespective running paths and to operate through a control panel variousstopwatches to indicate the respective times of the athletes within therespective running lanes.

Still, one other object of this invention is to provide a timermechanism operable through a plurality of spaced post membersinterconnected as by an electrically conducting material whereupon thebreaking of the same operates to set an impulse to a stopwatch mechanismto stop same and record the racing time.

Still, one further object of this invention is to provide a timermechanism having a plurality of individual lanes with respective cordsplaced thereacross whereupon the movement of the cord member operates toactuate a control panel to record individually the respective times ofeach runner on a stopwatch mechanism.

Another object of this invention is to provide a timer apparatus havinga constant drive timing motor and solenoid members operable to placeindividual clock mechanisms into driving engagement with the timingmotor to achieve the most accurate results therefrom.

One further object of this invention is to provide a timer apparatusincluding a recording drum mechanism operable through a constant speedtimer motor and a plurality of spaced pen members to record individualtimes of a given race upon a permanent calibrated removable paper rollfor permanent records.

Still, another further object of this invention is to provide a timingapparatus utilizing ultrasonic beams whereupon the breaking of the sameas by a runner operates to actuate individual timing mechanisms.

Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdiscussion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vertical photocell timing apparatus ofthis invention;

FIG, 2 is a foreshortened top plane view of the signal generator meansof the vertical photocell timing apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 3-3 inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the control panel of the photocell timingapparatusof this invention having a front lid removed for clarity;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of a constant drive timermechanism of the timing apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating the movement to theinactive position of the constant drive timer mechanism;

FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic diagram for the photocell timingapparatus of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary foreshortened elevational view of a horizontalphotocell timing apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a foreshortened fragmentary elevational view of the horizontalmechanical actuated timing apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the recording timer mechanism of thisinvention;

FIG. 11 is a foreshortened elevational view of the horizontal electricalcontinuity timing apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 12 is an electrical schematic of the electrical continuity timingapparatus of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a foreshortened elevational view of the vertical ultrasonictiming apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic timing apparatus ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a foreshortened elevational view of a vertical mechanicalactuated timing apparatus of this invention; and

FIG. 16 is an enlarged elevational view of the electrical contacts ofthe timing apparatus shown in FIG. 15.

The following is a discussion and description of the preferred specificembodiments of the new timing apparatus of this invention, such beingmade with reference to the drawings, whereupon the same referencenumerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/orstructure. It is to be understood that such discussion and descriptionis not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail and in particular to FIG. I, avertical photocell timing apparatus, indicated generally at 12, includesa main support frame assembly 14; a timing means or control panel 16secured to one end of the support frame assembly 14; a timing means orcontrol panel 16 secured to one end of the support frame assembly 14; aplurality of signal receiver means or amplifier devices 18 secured tothe upper portion of the support frame assembly 14; and a signalgenerator means 20 mounted within a supporting surface 22 and operablyconnected to the control panel 16. It is seen that the supportingsurface 22 is preferably divided into a plurality of separate lanes 23as indicated by,, the lines 24 whereupon the same is recessed by curbmembers 25 to define a substantially conventional running track.

The support frame assembly 14 includes an elongated horizontal supportpipe 26 joined as by connector members 27 at'opposite ends to downwardlydivergent support legs 29 and 31. It is seen that the support pipe 26 isof a length so as to extend across the entire lanes 23 and of asufficient height upon the support legs 29 and 31 to allow runners torun thereunder. The support legs 29 and 31 are interconnected as by acrossbar 33 for rigidity and having the lower ends thereof secured towheel assemblies 35, respectively. The wheel assemblies 35 each includea support base 37 having downwardly depending arms 38 with a wheelmember 39 rotatably mounted therein. The wheel assemblies 35 areprovided with substantially conventional lock members (not shown) tosecure the same in the desired location. The amplifier devices 18 areindividually mounted upon the support pipe 26 by bracket straps 41 in apredetermined, equally spaced position therealong so as to be alignedwith respective ones of the elements in the signal generator means 20.The amplifier devices 18 are provided with receiving elements adapted toreceive and amplify a photoelectric signal and is electrically connectedto the control panel 16.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the signal generator means 20 includes aplurality of signal elements 42, each interconnected by male and femaleadapters 44 and 4550 that a series of such elements may be used and areembedded within the support surface 22. Each photocell element 42includes a molded support block 47 having a central opening 48 toreceive in a recessed manner a bulb 49 for directing a beam upwardlyinto respective ones of the amplifier devices 18. It is seen that themolded block 47 is such as to provide a rigid support without damage tothe bulb 49 on running thereover. Additionally, it is obvious thatvarious forms of the signal generator means 20 could be so constructedsuch as a continuouselongated strip to be placed across the track inorder to provide the necessary electric beam. It is seen that the signalgenerator means 20 terminates in an adapter plug 51 operable to beconnected as by a cable member 53 to the control panel 16.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the control panel 16 includes a main supporthousing 55 having a front lid member 57 hingedly mounted thereon andmovable to the opened condition to reveal the contents therein. It isseen that the front lid member 57 is provided with a plurality of spacedopenings 58 so as to reveal stopwatch mechanisms 60 contained within thehousing 55. The housing 55 is provided with external power through aconduit member 62 to provide a 110 voltage current to a transformer 61mounted in one comer. A plurality of block members 63 are mounted upon abottom wall 64 of the housing 55 each adapted to hold therewithin arespective one of the stopwatch mechanisms 60 in an upright position asseen in FIG. 4. Each stopwatch mechanism 60 is provided with astop/start pushbutton 66 and, additionally, a reset button 67 on oneside thereof. Although six stopwatches are illustrated,

it is obvious that any number could be used. Mounted in the housing 55directly above each of the stopwatch mechanisms 60 is a solenoid member69 having an upright axially movable plunger 71 which is operable todepress the respective stop/start buttons 66 for the timed operation ofthe respective stopwatch mechanisms 60 as will be explained.Additionally, a special actuating switch 73 is mounted in a top wall 75of the housing 55 having an upper toggle lever 77 operable tomomentarily close the circuit to all of the solenoid members 69 forreasons to become obvious when starting a race.

In best understanding the operation of the vertical photocell timingapparatus 12, refer to FIG. 7 wherein a schematic shows the desiredoperation through a circuit means. For example, a pair of lines 81 and82 supply power to the transformer 61 to convert the same from 110 to 24volts. Lines 83 and 85 are directed to each of a plurality of relays 87mounted within the respective amplifier devices 18 in which the contacts89 and 91 in each one thereof is deenergized on breaking of therespective photocell beams indicated at 92 in FIG. 1. As shown on the24-volt side of the transformer 61, power is fed through line 94 to eachof the solenoid members 69 mounted above the respective stopwatchmechanisms 60. The other side of the respective solenoid members 69 areconnected as by respective lines 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, and 101, torespective ones of the photocell relays 87. This would appear to supplypower to respective lever contacts 103 on the relays 87 to complete thecircuit to the respective solenoid members 69. However, it is seen thata common line 105 to the relays 87 goes through the actuating switch 73to the 2-vo1t power source. It is to be noted that breaking of thephotocell beams 92 in respective ones in the relays 87 operates to movethe respective lever contact 103 from the position of FIG. 7 to anupward position contacting a contact point 108 which is common through aline 109 to the power source. This operates through the respective onesof the lines 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 and 101 to energize respective ones ofthe solenoid members 60 so as to actuate the start/stop buttons '66.

In the use and operation of the vertical photocell timing apparatus 12of this invention, it is noted that the operator first actuates thestart switch 73 on seeing smoke from a starting gun for example,whereupon this operates to complete the circuit through lines 105, 94-99and 101 and the closed levers 103 in all of the relays 87 to momentarilydepress the respective plungers 71 on the solenoid members 69 to depressthe start/stop button 66 on the respective stopwatch mechanisms 60 tostart the same in their timing function. The start switch 73 immediatelyreleases to release the solenoid members 69 whereupon the timingproceeds. Upon a runner racing through the support frame assembly 14 andbreaking a respective one of the photocell beams 92, this operates toactuate a relay 87 and move the respective lever 103 into contact withits respective contact point 108 so as to operate respective ones of thesolenoid members 69 to again depress the start/stop button 66 on therespective stopwatch mechanism 60 to stop the same as a timing function.It is noted that this would also occur in each and every one of theracing lanes 24 on breaking the respective one of the photocell beams 92with each individual runner accurately and automatically timed onpassing the finish line.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, a horizontal photocell timingapparatus 112 is provided having substantially the same upright supportframe assembly 14, a support pipe 26 with downwardly depending supportlegs 29, 31, and the control panel 16 mounted on one end thereof.However, the support pipe 26 is provided with downwardly dependingsupport arms 114 spaced apart a predetermined distance so as to permit atrack runner to easily pass therebetween and having the same definingrespective ones of the track lanes 24. As shown in FIG. 8, the left-handarm 114 of each pair is provided with a photocell light source 115 and aphotosensitive element 117 mounted in the adjacent oppositely opposedone of the arms 114. This operates to generate a photocell beam 92therebetween similar to the vertical setup as set forth in the timingapparatus 12. It is seen that the control panel 16 is substantiallysimilar to that described in FIGS. 4 and 7 and operable to actuaterespective ones with stopwatch mechanisms 60 as previously described. Itis seen that the horizontal photocell timing apparatus 112 isself-contained without requiring accurate alignment with a signalgenerator means mounted within the support surface 22.

As shown in FIG. 9, in another embodiment a horizontal mechanicalactuated timing apparatus 116 includes a support frame assembly 118 alsohaving a plurality of downwardly depending support arms 121 spaced equalto respective ones of the racing lanes 23 in the racing track. Securedto each support arm 121 is an anchor member 123 having a cord 124connected thereto with the opposite end secured to a block member 126mounted within a U-shaped opening 128 in the opposed ones of the supportarms 121. Mounted within each support arm 121 is an upright actuator rod129 positioned with its lower surface on the upper surface of the blockmember 126 and biased downwardly into such a position by a spring member131 mounted against a lug 133 on the actuator rod 129. The lower end ofthe actuator rod 129 is aligned with a hole 135 in the lower end of thesupport arm 121 and would move into same if not for the block member 126supporting the same. The upper end of the actuator rod 129 is providedwith an electrical contact portion 137 which completes the continuitythrough contacts A and B or B and C as illustrated in FIG. 9. The closedcontacts A and B permit the solenoid members 69 tobe energized by astart switch 73 as set forth in FIG. 7. On removing the block member126, the actuator rod 129 would move downwardly to close contacts B andC and energize a solenoid member 69 to actuate a respective stopwatchmechanism 60 as previously described. Additionally, the rod 129 wouldmove down sufficiently to break continuity with contacts B and C so suchaction is only momentarily which all that is necessary to stoprespective ones of the stopwatch mechanism 60. It is obvious that theelectrical circuit as described in FIG. 7 would be operable through acontrol panel 16 in the horizontal mechanical actuated timing apparatus116 to actuate the'respective stopwatch mechanisms 60 as previouslydescribed. The main difference between this timing apparatus 116 and theothers previously described is merely the use of a positive cord memberwith a mechanical operation to vary the contacts through A, B, and Csimilar to the relays 87 as described in FIG. 7.

A s shown in FIG. 11, a horizontal electrical continuity timingapparatus 141 includes a plurality of upright post members 143 havingelectrical conduits 145 therethrough and upper ends of the post members143 connected to electrical continuity foil strips 147 thereacross.Mounted between each respective ones of the upright post members 143 isa control mechanism 149 being a relay 151 and a battery member 153 tosupply the power to the foil strips 147 wherein the battery supplies alow voltage. It is to be noted that these foil strips 147 are placed soas to be easily broken by persons running through the upright postmembers 143 which electrically operates the electrical schematic for therespective ones of the stopwatch mechanisms 60 as clearly shown in FIG.12. It is obvious that the upright post members 143 may be made of asturdy but resilient material so that the runners will not be injured onaccidentally hitting the same. It is seen that special cavities 155 areprovided to receive the respective relays 151 and battery members 153having an outer common electrical conduit cord 157 leading to thecontrol panel 16.

As shown in FIG. 12, an electrical schematic is illustrated for thehorizontal electrical continuity timing apparatus 141 having thetransformer 61 powered similarly by lines 81 and 82 to convert the powerfrom 110 to 24 volts. The stopwatch mechanism 60 are similarly actuatedby respective solenoid members 69 and having the same interconnected asby lines 161-166, inclusive, to respective ones of the relays 87 whichare connected to a common line 168 by levers 169 through start switch73. It is seen that the start switch 73 is operable to momentarilyactuate the solenoid members 69 at the same time for the startingfunction of a given race. The relays 87 are powered through lines 173and 174 connected to the foil strips 147 by the respective batterymembers 153 connected thereto. This is so that a very low voltage is allthat is necessary through the respective strips 147 so as to not presentdangerous conditions. On breaking the continuity through the foil strips147, the respective ones of the relays 87 are deenergized to move thelever 169 to close the same to a common line 178 and operable torespective ones of lines 161-166, inclusive to actuate respective onesof the stopwatch mechanisms 60.

In FIGS. 13 and 14 is illustrated a vertical ultrasonic timing apparatus181 provided with the upright support frame assembly 14 having thecontrol panel 16 mounted upon one end and a plurality of spacedamplifier structures 183 secured as by bracket members 184 to the uppersupport pipe 26. On the support surface 22 is provided an elongatedstrip or reflecting member 185 operable to reflect ultrasonic soundbeams 187 received from spaced cooperating transducers 189 in each oneof the amplifier structures 183. The use of ultrasonic beams 187achieves the same general function in this timing apparatus 181 as'previously described for the use of a photocell beam as the same isoperable on interruption to submit a signal into the control panel 16 tooperate respective ones of the stopwatch mechanisms 60 through thesolenoid members 69.

As shown in FIG. 14, it is seen that the transducers 189 are operable topresent a closed circuit through the beams indicated at 192. Thetransducers 189 are powered by a battery 193 through lines 194 and 195to solenoid member 196 and operable to move a relay 198. Additionally,line 194 is con nected through line 201 to the solenoid member 69 abovea respective one of the stopwatch mechanism 60. It is seen that thecircuit is provided with a starting switch 73 which is operable toenergize the solenoid member 69 to actuate the stopwatch mechanism 60for the starting function. This immediately releases whereupon the nextactuation of the solenoid member is taken over by the ultrasonic beam187. When a runner breaks the respective ultrasonic beam 187, it is seenthat this deenergizes the activated solenoid member 196 whereupon thecircuit is then closed through lines 194 and 201 to the solenoid member69 to again actuate the stopwatch mechanism 60. Although all of thevarious stopwatches and solenoid members have not been illustrated inthis embodiment, it is obvious that the same will operate substantiallysimilar to that of FIGS. 7 and 12.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, another embodiment includes a verticalmechanical actuated timing apparatus 203 having the support frameassembly 14 and a control panel 16 secured to one end thereof. Thistiming apparatus 203 includes a mechanical actuator 205 secured to thesupport pipe 26 and connected by respective cord members 207 anchored inrecesses 209 in the support surface 22. Each mechanical actuator 205includes a rod member 211 biased upwardly from a plate member 212 by acompression spring 215 which maintains the cord member 207 taut. Theupper end of the rod member 211 is provided with a conductor strip 217touching contacts A and B in the lower condition and contacts B and C inthe upper condition. These contacts are electrically connected to thecontrol panel 16 similar to FIG. 7; therefore, detailed discussionthereof is not deemed necessary.

Contacts A and B are operable on use of the starting switch 73 toactuate the solenoid members 69 for the starting function. On breakingthe respective cord members 207, the contacts B and C operate to actuatethe stopwatch mechanism 60 as previously described. It is seen thattiming apparatus 203 operates similarly to the horizontal mechanicalactuated timing apparatus 116 except the support arms 121 are notpresent.

As shown in FIG. 10, it is seen that a recording timer mechanism 222 maybe used as part of the timing means which includes a rotatable drummember 224 connected by a shaft member 225 to a constant speed timingmotor 226. This rotational speed is correlated to a calibrated,removable, cylindrical paper roll 228 mounted on the drum member 224having a plurality of lines thereon to indicate time increments. Aplurality of individual vial members 230 with ballpoint pens 232 areoperable to move axially through the use of respective solenoid members233 into contact with the paper roll 228. The pens 232 are held inupright deenergized positions by spring members 236 and movabledownwardly into contact with the calibrated paper roll 228 by thesolenoid members 233. It is obvious that the solenoid members 233 can beenergized and controlled through the use of a mechanical gear device,ultrasonic beam, photocell beam, or the mechanical cord and blockstructures to show a visual record of the results of a given race. It isseen that this is very desirable because after a race, the calibratedcylindrical paper roll 228 can be removed and taken to a judges standwhereupon the accurate time of each member in the race can be readtherefrom and, additionally, this provides a permanent record which isvery desirable in training the various athletes to note improvement,etc.

As shown in FIGS. and 6, a constant drive timer mechanism 243 may beused as part of the timing means including a constant rotating motor 245having an output shaft 246 provided with a plurality of spaced beveledgears 248 mounted thereon. Each of the beveled gears 248 is connectedthrough a timer actuator assembly 250 to respective clock mechanism 252.Each timer actuator assembly 250 is provided with an upright shaft 254having a beveled gear 255 at the upper end engageable with one of theother beveled gears 248 and having the lower portion of the shaft 254operable to start and stop the clock mechanism 252 similar to thestopwatch mechanisms 60. A yoke member 258 is mounted about a centralportion of the shaft 254 and engageable with one end of a fork member261. The fork member 261 is pivotally mounted at a central portion andhaving its outermost end engageable with a lever member 264 actuated bya solenoid member 266. An intermediate portion of the fork member 261 isbiased in one direction by a spring member 267 and movable in theopposite direction by a second solenoid member 268. As shown in FIG. 6,this is in the inactive position whereupon the timing motor 245 alwaysrotates so that there is always the steady momentum to the timing shaft246. On activating the start switch (not shown) the solenoid member 266retracts the lever member 264 so that the shaft 254 is moved upwardlyunder force of the spring member 267 to engage the beveled gears 248 and255. This operates to actuate the clock mechanism 252 for the desiredtiming motion. On breaking a mechanical cord, electrical foil,ultrasonic beam or photoelectric cell, the other solenoid member 268 isactuated so as to pivot the fork member 261 out of engagement with thebeveled gears 248 and 255 to the stopped condition. The-loose end of thefork member 261 is thereupon held by the lever member 264 connected tothe solenoid member 266 so as to be inactive. It is noted that thisembodiment is very important in providing an accurate structure forachieving the utmost accuracy through the clock mechanism withoutinaccuracies attributed to starting and stopping momentums.

In the use and operation of the various embodiments of the timingapparatus of this invention, it is seen that the same is operable topresent a needed structure for track running events. The timingapparatus provides a means to project signals across running lanes andactuate stopwatches in a control panel to provide accurate records oftimes in given racing events. It is also seen that the timing apparatusof this invention is economical to manufacture, substantiallymaintenance free, and does not require the large capital which is notavailable to the lower educational institutions of today. Additionally,the timing apparatus of this invention eliminates need for findingqualified and trained timers for various races which always requires atleast six or eight persons with great chance of error therefrom.

It is noted that the various embodiments of the mechanical cords,photocell beams, and ultrasonic beams may be used in numerouscombinations with the constant drive timer mechanism, the recordingtimer mechanism, or the stopwatch mechanisms to achieve the desiredresult.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with preferredspecific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that thisdescription is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of theinvention, which is defined by the following claims.

We claim:

1. A timing apparatus adapted to measure and record various times fromindividual racing lanes, comprising:

a. a support frame assembly to straddle a plurality of the racing lanes,

b. signal generator means to place an output beam of energy withinrespective ones of the racing lanes,

c. a plurality of signal receiver means supported on said frame assemblyin operating cooperation with respective ones of said signal generatormeans,

d. timing means operably connected to said signal receiver meansoperable on interruption of a signal between said generator means andsaid receiver means to record the actual time of interruption of saidbeam of energy in individual ones of the racing lanes,

e. said timing means including an electrical circuit means operablyconnected to timer assemblies associated with respective ones of saidsignal receiver means, and a start switch means connected to all of saidtimer assemblies to simultaneously actuate said timer assemblies tostart recordation of time required for the start of a race.

2. A timing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein:

a. said signal generator means and said signal receiver means bothconnected to said support frame assembly in a spaced relationship toproject an ultrasonic signal against a reflecting surface on the racinglanes in order to receive the same and complete the circuit,

b. interruption of said ultrasonic beam operable to actuate said timingmeans, and

c. said timing means including said electrical circuit means havingfirst solenoid members operable by said signal receiver means to actuatesecond solenoid members to operate respective timing elements for astopping function, and said start switch in said circuit means connectedto said second solenoid members to actuate all of same concurrently as astarting function.

A timing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein:

. said timing means including a rotatable drum member having acalibrated paper roll thereover and driven by a constant speed timingmotor, and a plurality of spaced pen members, each individually actuatedby said signal receiver means into contact with said calibrated paperroll for readily indicating accurate and visual results of a race in thevarious racing lanes,

b. said electrical circuit means connected to a plurality of solenoidmembers, and

c. said solenoid members operably connected to respective ones of saidpen members to move same into and out of engagement with said paper rollon interruption of said signals between said generator means and saidreceiver means.

4. A timing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein:

a. said timer assemblies including a plurality of various timer elementsto be operated by said beams of energy in respective ones of the racinglanes and a plurality of actuator members in cooperative alignment withsaid timer elements for operating the same on start and stop conditions,

b. said actuator members each respectively operated on receiving asignal through said circuit means from said signal receiver meansoperable to start and stop each said timer element,

. said actuator members being electrical solenoid members selectivelyoperable to actuate a start/stop button on respective ones of said timerelements,

d. said circuit means having a plurality of relay members operablyconnected, respectively, to said solenoid members for operating thesame, and

e. said start switch operable to momentarily and concurrently actuatesaid relay members to operate said solenoid members to serve as astarting function whereupon all of said timing elements are operable atthe same time; and said relay members operable on interrupting said beamof energy between said signal generator means and said signal receivermeans to operate respective ones of said relays, said solenoid members,and said timer elements to serve as the stopping function.

A timing apparatus as described in claim 4 wherein:

a. said timer elements each being a stopwatch mechanism having one ofsaid stop/start buttons and a reset button thereon operable toefficiently and effectively record times of persons running in theindividual racing lanes.

. A timing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein:

a. said timer assembly including a constantly moving timing motor havinga drive shaft interconnected as by gear members to respective ones ofclock mechanisms, and

b. said circuit means including solenoid means operable to move aportion of said clock mechanisms in and out of engagement with said gearon said drive shaft for a starting and stopping function thereofwhereupon said timing motor is constantly rotating so as to eliminateerrors from the various starting and, stopping torques found in anymotor.

7. A timing apparatus as described in claim 6 wherein:

said clock mechanism including a driven shaft with one end connected toa timer member, one of said gears secured to the other end of saiddriven shaft, and a yoke assembly connected to said driven shaft formoving same axially to connect and disconnect said gear members. I

8. A timing apparatus as described in claim 7, wherein:

a. said yoke assembly having an actuator rod connected to said solenoidmember and a spring memlber connected to said actuator rod to bias sameinto connection of said gear members with said solenoid members operableto bias said gear members out of engagement, and secondly, to hold samein such position.

9. A timing apparatus adapted to measure and record various times fromindividual racing lanes, comprising:

a. a support frame assembly extended transversely of a plurality of theracing lanes,

b. mechanical actuator means connected to said frame assembly havingtrip means extended transversely of respective ones of the racing lanes,

c. timing means operably connected to said mechanical actuator meansoperable on moving said trip means to record accurate time of crossingindividual ones of the racing lanes,

d. said support frame assembly including a plurality of downwardlydepending support arms,

. said trip means including a cord member extended between saiddownwardly depending arms and held in a position by an actuatorassembly,

f. said actuator assembly including an actuator rod member operablyconnected to said cord member to hold the same in the taut position andmovement of said cord member as by a runner operates to move saidactuator rod to deenergize said timing means and record time of theinterruption, and

said rod members operable to provide a signal in said circuit means tooperate said timing assemblies to record,

respectively, lateral movement of said cord members thereacross.

10. A timing apparatus as described in claim 9, wherein:

a. said timing means including a rotatable drum member having acalibrated paper roll thereover and driven by a constant speed timingmotor, and a plurality of spaced pen members, each individually actuatedby said signal receiver means into contact with said calibrated paperroll for readily indicating accurate and visual results of a race in thevarious racing lanes.

11. A timer apparatus adapted to measure and record various times fromindividual racing lanes, comprising:

a. a plurality of spaced upright support posts each having an electricalconduit therein, said support posts connected to a support surfacedefining the racing lanes,

b. electrical continuity means operably connected between adjacent upperends of said support posts to respective ones of said electricalconduits to provide electrical continuity therebetween,

c. signal receiver means mounted in the support surface including abattery member and a relay member electrically connected through saidelectrical conduits to said continuity means, and

d. timing means operably connected to said signal receiver means andhaving electrical circuit means connected to timer assemblies whereuponbreaking of said continuity means operates to immediately actuate saidtimer assemblies for starting and stopping functions of a given race.

12. A timer apparatus as described in claim 11, wherein:

a. said continuity means being individual foil strips between saidsupport posts, and

b. said battery is of low voltage and operably connected to said stripswhereas a person running in said individual racing lanes hitting saidstrips will not receive a shock therefrom.

13. A timer apparatus as described in claim 12, wherein:

a. said timing means including a rotatable drum having a calibratedpaper roll thereon driven by a constant speed ti'ming motor, and aplurality of spaced pen members each operably connected to said stripsby said circuit means to receive signals from various ones of the racinglanes whereupon the actual results of a race may be readily andpermanently recorded on said calibrated paper roll. 1

1. A timing apparatus adapted to measure and record various times fromindividual racing lanes, comprising: a. a support frame assembly tostraddle a plurality of the racing lanes, b. signal generator means toplace an output beam of energy within respective ones of the racinglanes, c. a plurality of signal receiver means supported on said frameassembly in operating cooperation with respective ones of said signalgenerator means, d. timing means operably connected to said signalreceiver means operable on interruption of a signal between saidgenerator means and said receiver means to record the actual time ofinterruption of said beam of energy in individual ones of the racinglanes, e. said timing means including an electrical circuit meansoperably connected to timer assemblies associated with respective onesof said signal receiver means, and a start switch means connected to allof said timer assemblies to simultaneously actuate said timer assembliesto start recordation of time required for the start of a race.
 2. Atiming apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: a. said signalgenerator means and said signal receiver means both connected to saidsupport frame assembly in a spaced relationship to project an ultrasonicsignal against a reflecting surface on the racing lanes in order toreceive the same and complete the circuit, b. interruption of saidultrasonic beam operable to actuate said timing means, and c. saidtiming means including said electrical circuit means having firstsolenoid members operable by said signal receiver means to actuatesecond solenoid members to operate respective timing elements for astopping function, and said start switch in said circuit means connectedto said second solenoid members to actuate all of same concurrently as astarting function.
 3. A timing apparatus as described in claim 1,wherein: a. said timing means including a rotatable drum member having acalibrated paper roll thereover and driven by a constant speed timingmotor, and a plurality of spaced pen members, each individually actuatedby said signal receiver means into contact with said calibrated paperroll for readily indicating accurate and visual results of a race in thevarious racing lanes, b. said electrical circuit means connected to aplUrality of solenoid members, and c. said solenoid members operablyconnected to respective ones of said pen members to move same into andout of engagement with said paper roll on interruption of said signalsbetween said generator means and said receiver means.
 4. A timingapparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: a. said timer assembliesincluding a plurality of various timer elements to be operated by saidbeams of energy in respective ones of the racing lanes and a pluralityof actuator members in cooperative alignment with said timer elementsfor operating the same on start and stop conditions, b. said actuatormembers each respectively operated on receiving a signal through saidcircuit means from said signal receiver means operable to start and stopeach said timer element, c. said actuator members being electricalsolenoid members selectively operable to actuate a start/stop button onrespective ones of said timer elements, d. said circuit means having aplurality of relay members operably connected, respectively, to saidsolenoid members for operating the same, and e. said start switchoperable to momentarily and concurrently actuate said relay members tooperate said solenoid members to serve as a starting function whereuponall of said timing elements are operable at the same time; and saidrelay members operable on interrupting said beam of energy between saidsignal generator means and said signal receiver means to operaterespective ones of said relays, said solenoid members, and said timerelements to serve as the stopping function.
 5. A timing apparatus asdescribed in claim 4 wherein: a. said timer elements each being astopwatch mechanism having one of said stop/start buttons and a resetbutton thereon operable to efficiently and effectively record times ofpersons running in the individual racing lanes.
 6. A timing apparatus asdescribed in claim 1, wherein: a. said timer assembly including aconstantly moving timing motor having a drive shaft interconnected as bygear members to respective ones of clock mechanisms, and b. said circuitmeans including solenoid means operable to move a portion of said clockmechanisms in and out of engagement with said gear on said drive shaftfor a starting and stopping function thereof whereupon said timing motoris constantly rotating so as to eliminate errors from the variousstarting and stopping torques found in any motor.
 7. A timing apparatusas described in claim 6 wherein: a. said clock mechanism including adriven shaft with one end connected to a timer member, one of said gearssecured to the other end of said driven shaft, and a yoke assemblyconnected to said driven shaft for moving same axially to connect anddisconnect said gear members.
 8. A timing apparatus as described inclaim 7, wherein: a. said yoke assembly having an actuator rod connectedto said solenoid member and a spring member connected to said actuatorrod to bias same into connection of said gear members with said solenoidmembers operable to bias said gear members out of engagement, andsecondly, to hold same in such position.
 9. A timing apparatus adaptedto measure and record various times from individual racing lanes,comprising: a. a support frame assembly extended transversely of aplurality of the racing lanes, b. mechanical actuator means connected tosaid frame assembly having trip means extended transversely ofrespective ones of the racing lanes, c. timing means operably connectedto said mechanical actuator means operable on moving said trip means torecord accurate time of crossing individual ones of the racing lanes, d.said support frame assembly including a plurality of downwardlydepending support arms, e. said trip means including a cord memberextended between said downwardly depending arms and held in a positionby an actuator assembly, f. said actuator assembly including an actuatorrod member operably connected To said cord member to hold the same inthe taut position and movement of said cord member as by a runneroperates to move said actuator rod to deenergize said timing means andrecord time of the interruption, and g. said rod members operable toprovide a signal in said circuit means to operate said timing assembliesto record, respectively, lateral movement of said cord membersthereacross.
 10. A timing apparatus as described in claim 9, wherein: a.said timing means including a rotatable drum member having a calibratedpaper roll thereover and driven by a constant speed timing motor, and aplurality of spaced pen members, each individually actuated by saidsignal receiver means into contact with said calibrated paper roll forreadily indicating accurate and visual results of a race in the variousracing lanes.
 11. A timer apparatus adapted to measure and recordvarious times from individual racing lanes, comprising: a. a pluralityof spaced upright support posts each having an electrical conduittherein, said support posts connected to a support surface defining theracing lanes, b. electrical continuity means operably connected betweenadjacent upper ends of said support posts to respective ones of saidelectrical conduits to provide electrical continuity therebetween, c.signal receiver means mounted in the support surface including a batterymember and a relay member electrically connected through said electricalconduits to said continuity means, and d. timing means operablyconnected to said signal receiver means and having electrical circuitmeans connected to timer assemblies whereupon breaking of saidcontinuity means operates to immediately actuate said timer assembliesfor starting and stopping functions of a given race.
 12. A timerapparatus as described in claim 11, wherein: a. said continuity meansbeing individual foil strips between said support posts, and b. saidbattery is of low voltage and operably connected to said strips whereasa person running in said individual racing lanes hitting said stripswill not receive a shock therefrom.
 13. A timer apparatus as describedin claim 12, wherein: a. said timing means including a rotatable drumhaving a calibrated paper roll thereon driven by a constant speed timingmotor, and a plurality of spaced pen members each operably connected tosaid strips by said circuit means to receive signals from various onesof the racing lanes whereupon the actual results of a race may bereadily and permanently recorded on said calibrated paper roll.